Basketball and the Orchestra: A Musician’s Guide to Understanding the Game Winter brings a new soundtrack: squeaking shoes, bouncing basketballs, pep band tunes, and fans yelling at referees who apparently cannot see anything. Here in Iowa, basketball season feels like a statewide celebration, especially after living through the Caitlin Clark era. Her deep threes, quick plays, and impossible passes created a kind of magic that even classical musicians can appreciate. If Pagan

Peter is a viola student at Dynamic Music Studios in Coralville, IA studying with Christina Mixemong . Why did you decide to start lessons? I chose viola because they showed the instruments and I liked the way it sounded. Not too high and not too low.  I decided to take lessons because I wanted to be able to play better and be able to make more music. I just love music. How long have you been taking lessons?  1.5 years Do you play any other instruments?  Alto Saxophone How o

Dr. Jessica Saunders, soprano and Dr. Minji Kwon perform She Conjures at the New Music Festival for the Iowa Composer's Forum held at UNI in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Last weekend was a moving experience. I performed a newer piece composed by my close friend and colleague Lisa Neher. The work She Conjures ,  with music by Lisa Neher and libretto by Bea Goodwin , is set in 1600’s Scotland and tells the story of Grissall, a woman dealing with the aftermath of her mother's unjust exec

Rosie is a piano student of Sarah Beckelheimer , co-owner and piano instructor at Dynamic Music Studios in Coralville, Iowa. How old are you? 10 How long have you been taking piano? 4.5 years Why did you decide to take piano lessons? I wanted to because my older brother had taken piano lessons and I looked up to him.  Do you play any other instruments? Yes, tuba and viola How much do you practice? 30 minutes 4 or 5 days a week.  What is one of your favorite songs you have lea

Margaret is a Cello Student of Christina Gentzsch  at Dynamic Music Studios  in Coralville, Iowa. How old are you?  82 Why did you decide...

Gretchen is a voice student of Dr. Jessica Saunders  at Dynamic Music Studios  in Coralville, Iowa. Why did you decide to start taking...

First Rehearsal to First Performance: Learning Musician Etiquette From the moment they stepped into the rehearsal room, the new student...

Kaylee is a viola student of Christina Mixemong , Co-owner and viola/violin instructor  at Dynamic Music Studios   in Coralville, Iowa....

Every spring, there’s a bittersweet rhythm in the air at our music studio. As the school year winds down and the final lessons are...

Llama Trophy in it's new home for the year, the cello studio The cello students, taught by Christina Gentzsch, are the proud winners of...

Rhea Cello Student of Christina Gentzsch  at Dynamic Music Studios  in Coralville, Iowa. Name:   Rhea Allen Age: 66  Why did you decide...

Carter is a voice student of Dr. Jessica Saunders  at Dynamic Music Studios  in Coralville, Iowa. Why did you decide to start lessons? I...

Returning to My Hometown as a Featured Soloist: A Full Circle Moment Growing up in Garden City, Kansas, I was incredibly fortunate to...

In March and April, I have the pleasure of performing two solo recitals, a rare opportunity for me in recent years. Since graduating with...

Student Spotlight: Claire Chimenti

Fall-o-ween recital 2024 As we step into a new year, it’s the perfect time to reflect on our musical  journeys and set fresh goals for...

Why did you decide to start lessons?  I overall love music and I thought piano fun thing to start with.  How long have you been taking...

Fun was had by all at our Open House on Saturday, December 21st from 1 to 3 p.m. It was held at our studio in Coralville, Iowa.  There...

Emery is a Cello Student of Christina Gentzsch at Dynamic Music Studios in Coralville, Iowa. Name:  Emery O’Brien Age: 14  Grade:  8th...

Attending a live performance is so exciting, and whether it’s a rock concert, a student recital, or a professional orchestra, each...